What is Photoshop Etiquette?

Photoshop Etiquette has always been an unofficial code for designers, though its manifestation in an online guide started in 2011. Organizations have used it for quality control and even as a barometer when hiring new designers.

Though its tone is unapologetically passive aggressive, the principles presented are intended to help both rookie and seasoned web designers prioritize the importance of organization in Photoshop.

So, how do you know if you’re using Photoshop Etiquette properly? Ironically, the best indication is that you and your team aren’t following it word-for-word. Rather, take these ideas and tweak them to fit your workflows and personel. Come up with better guidelines. Use this as inspiration to run your ship tighter, and in doing so, benefit from increase clarity and efficiency all around.

Whether Photoshop is the workhorse of your process or simply a tool for brief ideation, staying organized will have profound benefits down the line. Etiquette is worth the investment, if for nothing more than it’s a reflection of the pride you have in your trade.

Who Made This?

Dan Rose created “The Photoshop Etiquette Manifesto for Web Designers” years ago and has tailored this guide with every new version of Photoshop as well as the continued influence of his experience designing for a million-device world.